BORDERS LMC

Help, Support and Resources

Please be aware that this section is currently and will constantly be updated with new information and content. If what you are looking for isn’t found below. Please feel free to contact the LMC direct. Whilst we endeavour to keep things as up-to-date as possible we cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or age of external documents.

Local Arrangements regarding Access to Mental Health Services

It is well recognised that, as medical practitioners, we may be particularly reluctant to seek advice from mental health services in part due to concerns around confidentiality.

The LMC wishes to ensure that colleagues are always able to obtain prompt help from such services with confidence that their situation will be dealt with discreetly. If it would be useful, the LMC Secretary or Chair can be approached to assist with referral. Equally, the Medical Director of NHS Borders is very willing to be approached directly to assist if this would help facilitate access to care. As a profession, we need to aim to be as kind to ourselves as we are to our patients – please do not delay in seeking essential help.

NHS Borders Occupational Health

All GPs are able to access support from NHS Borders Occupational Health on a self-referral basis. GPs are often reluctant and hesitant to contact services especially regarding issues related to mental health or addiction. For this reason, the LMC will assist GP colleagues in securing necessary care in a highly confidential manner by engaging the assistance of the local Medical Director. Please approach any LMC office bearer for help with such matters as we see safeguarding the welfare of our colleagues as a vital part of our role.

Borders LMC Benevolent Fund

This substantial fund exists to assist necessitous Borders GPs and their families. The fund was set up initially with voluntary contributions from Borders GPs for the benefit of their colleagues at times of financial hardship. Contributions are no longer collected as the fund is of a sufficient size to generate income equal to predicted expenditure.

Applications for support from the fund can be made by GPs themselves, their colleagues or practice managers with consent of the GP in need. All such requests are carefully considered by the fund trustees and assessed on an individual basis. The trustees will receive independent guidance and advice regarding claims from the LMC accountant. Resources from the fund cannot be used as a substitute for locum insurance. Please approach the LMC Secretary (or Chair if Secretary unavailable) to discuss potential use of this fund. Previously, the fund has been used to provide financial support to injured GPs, to reimburse locum expenses to allow GPs to take carer leave and to support dependent children of deceased GPs.

Download Our Benevolent Fund Guide. 

Additional Help  

Sick Doctors Trust

Support and help for doctors, dentists and medical students suffering from dependence on drugs or alcohol.

BMA Wellbeing Support

BMA offer 24/7 support to doctors that is both confidential and free of charge.

The Cameron Fund

The Cameron Fund is the GPs’ own charity and the only medical benevolent charity which solely supports general practitioners and their dependents.

Doctors’ Support Network

Independently championing positive mental health within our profession. Confidential peer support for UK based doctor

National Wellbeing Hub

The National Wellbeing Hub is a partnership between national, local and professional bodies with a shared passion for looking after the emotional and psychological wellbeing of our country’s health and social services workers.

Workforce Specialist Service 

Delivered by NHS Practitioner Health This provides a confidential mental health service to all those working in health and social care in Scotland.

BORDERS LMC

Downloads & Helpful Resources